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Spiced Persimmon Bread

Spiced Persimmon Bread - Treat Indulgently

Ah, spiced persimmon bread! It’s the cozy hug of the baking world. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, wrapping you in warmth. I remember the first time I tasted this delightful bread. It was at a small café nestled in a quiet town, known for its rustic charm and commitment to local ingredients. 
The owner, an older gentleman with twinkling eyes, explained how persimmons were a treasure in his family’s fall harvest. That conversation struck a chord with me, sparking a fascination that led to experimenting in my own kitchen.
In this post, I will guide you through a recipe idea that is equally wholesome and delectable. This spiced persimmon bread recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite that you will look forward to baking year after year.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour 210 g
  • 1/2 cup minus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 113 ml
  • 1 1/4 cups persimmon puree 275 g
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar 100 g
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons chopped toasted walnuts
  • 1 orange Zest plus extra for garnish
For the orange glaze:
  • 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Persimmons
  1. First, you need ripe persimmons. If you haven't used them before, let me explain. You want them soft to the touch, a bit like an overripe peach. Slice them in half and scoop out the flesh into a bowl. Mash it until you have a smooth puree. It’s an essential step that sets the tone for the whole flavor profile.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal. I have had moments where bread has surprisingly stuck to the pan, and believe me, it’s not pretty!
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vegetable oil. Once combined, stir in the persimmon puree and vanilla extract. Make sure these ingredients mix quite well, as they form the foundation for the texture of your bread.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and zest of the orange. This will ensure that the spices and leavening agent are evenly distributed throughout the bread.
Step 5: Integrate the Mixtures
  1. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle here! Over-mixing can lead to a tough bread. Once just combined, stir in the toasted walnuts. The goal is to ensure you see a few pockets of flour – no need for perfection.
Step 6: Bake
  1. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top for a nice surface finish. Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The scent wafting from the oven will be heavenly, I assure you.
Step 7: Glaze
  1. While the bread cools slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth for the glaze. Drizzle this over the top of warm bread for an irresistible finish. It adds a zingy sweetness that is just divine.

Notes

  • Use Ripe Persimmons: Ensure your persimmons are very ripe for the best flavor and texture. Hard or unripe persimmons can turn your bread into a chalky mess.
  • Store in an Airtight Container: Once your bread has cooled, wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture.
  • - Enhance Flavor with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Nutmeg or allspice can add an interesting twist.
  • Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with an equal amount of your favorite gluten-free flour blend. This works beautifully!
  • Chill for Better Flavor: Consider letting the bread sit overnight before slicing. The flavors meld together beautifully in that time.